Pregnancy is a crucial phase in the life of every woman. During pregnancy, the immune system changes for fetus growth, making pregnant women susceptible to infections. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of a particular type of mosquito. Research reveals that dengue during pregnancy can lead to several complications like pre-term delivery, low birth weight and others. The symptoms of dengue in pregnancy vary from person to person. This article provides insight into the symptoms, risks and treatment for dengue during pregnancy.
When an infected mosquito, mainly the Aedes aegypti type, bites a pregnant woman, she is likely to suffer from dengue fever. These mosquitos are active during the monsoon season. If you experience mild symptoms, the infection lasts only for a week. However, when you notice severe symptoms, it may lead to serious pregnancy complications.
Dengue in pregnant women is a matter of concern as it can harm the baby in the fetus. Dengue infections can enter the placenta of pregnant women, especially during their first or third trimester. As the dengue virus and fetal health are closely associated, there is a high risk of transmitting dengue to the baby, leading to serious pregnancy complications.
So make sure you check for its symptoms. Treating the infection early ensures the overall well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Pregnant women can experience mild to severe symptoms when affected by dengue virus. The mild dengue symptoms are:
The warning signs or symptoms may vary if you suffer from severe dengue fever.
Dengue for pregnant women is associated with several health risks. Research reveals that when a pregnant woman suffers from dengue fever, the chance of the dengue virus affecting the fetus is high. Also, the physiological changes during pregnancy increase the risk of dengue. The severity of dengue fever and miscarriage risk are closely associated. Proper medical intervention at an early stage can help in managing dengue during pregnancy. If the condition worsens, you or the baby may suffer from any of the following health risks:
A blood test can help detect dengue infection. Your doctor collects your blood sample, which is sent to the lab for assessment. Make sure you share your travel history with your doctor, as it can be an important source of information for diagnosing dengue infection. If you have recently traveled to countries or places where there is an outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases, then you’re likely to be affected by them.
Mild dengue fever may not require treatment as the fever subsides within a few days. If you’re pregnant with severe dengue symptoms, consult your doctor for further treatment. Treating dengue during pregnancy is important. Proper medical treatment can protect your baby from infection. Treating at the earliest can help avoid pregnancy complications.
Prevention is the best way to avoid getting infected by dengue fever. Pregnant women must stay away from any type of infection for the well-being of the baby. Prevention of Dengue in Pregnancy ACOG insists that pregnant women take proper precautions to prevent dengue infection. Here are some effective preventive steps to prevent dengue infection during pregnancy.
Use Safe Mosquito Repellent: To avoid mosquito bites during pregnancy, use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing 20-30% DEET. Lemon oil and eucalyptus oil are very good alternatives to regular mosquito-repellent creams.
Wear Proper Clothing: When outdoors, pregnant women can wear dresses with long sleeves and pants to cover their bodies. This protects them from mosquito bites.
Drain Stagnant Water: Check for places where there is stagnant water around your home. This is the primary cause of mosquito breeding.
Stay Indoors: It is safe for pregnant women to stay indoors when the mosquitos are active, especially in the morning and evening.
Closely monitor symptoms like fever, headache, rashes, joint pain and nausea. Early diagnosis of dengue fever can avoid the risk of dengue virus infecting the baby in the fetus. You can very well prevent dengue infection by following the above safety precautions.
Some of the signs that you are affected by dengue are
